Although we would like to think that we always communicate effectively with those around us, the reality is that often the things we say, the way we say them, and the nonverbal cues we give end up creating communication barriers with others. Sometimes this results in a communication breakdown. In this journal, you will recall a communication error that you committed in a professional or work setting. Focus your journal on the things you said, the way you said them, and the nonverbal cues you gave that ended up creating a situation that did not go at all like you intended.

• Identify a situation in which your communication style/approach caused a breakdown in communication with another person.
•Briefly describe the situation. Feel free to change names or other identifying information for privacy purposes.
•Describe how your verbal communication created a barrier between you and the other person.
• What did you say (intentionally or unintentionally) that may have offended or upset the other person?
• Describe how your nonverbal communication created a barrier between you and the other person.